Homeowner: Laurie Volkmuth-McNutt, Minneapolis, who bought her childhood home last year after her mother died and her father entered an assisted-living facility. "I knew I wanted to be in this area," she said. "The neighborhood [Shingle Creek] is quiet and convenient, and the houses are sturdy and strong. ... Before Mom died, she signed the papers. She was at peace, about keeping it in the family."

Happy memories: Some of Volkmuth-McNutt's earliest memories are of riding to the house in a wagon, with her siblings, pulled by her mother. She was not yet 3, and her family was living with her grandparents, about a mile away, while their new house was built. "Those long wagon rides were fun!" she recalled. "We'd sing and wait for the trains." At the house, her mother did finishing work. "They called it 'painting in.' She'd put blankets and pillows on the floor so we could nap while she painted."

Downsizing: During her career with the U.S. Navy, Volkmuth-McNutt was stationed in Italy, Iceland, Scotland and Japan. She has collected furniture and artwork from all over the world, which she's now trying to arrange in a house less than half the size (1,000 square feet) of her previous one. She's also kept some of her parents' belongings, including their buffet hutch. "Mom said, 'Please hold onto it.' "

Making it her own: "I always hated the tile floor upstairs," she recalled. "We had rugs, but my dream was to have carpeting." So the first thing she did after moving in was install environmentally friendly carpet made from corn. "It's like walking on silk."

Best thing about living in her childhood home: "A feeling of security. I know the neighborhood. One neighbor still calls me 'Lollie,' my nickname from when I was small. I like a neighborhood where you talk to your neighbors. If I need something moved, all I do is knock on my neighbor's door."

Worst thing: "I want to open up the kitchen and add more light. And the bathroom needs some TLC."

Like mother, like daughter: Volkmuth-McNutt sleeps in her parents' bedroom, now painted lavender, in honor of her mother, who always wanted it that color. "Mom is still with me," she said. "I use her desk. She loved to hang her clothes outside; so do I. She loved trees, so I planted a cherry tree and some grapevines. I want to have grapes so I can make jelly like Mom."

Here to stay: Volkmuth-McNutt moved frequently during her Navy career, but now she plans to put down roots. "I don't think this is just a stop. This is a permanent home -- until one of my grandchildren moves to the big city and wants a house."

KIM PALMER